WASHINGTON, D.C. -- August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It is the world's largest annual campaign to end drug overdose and remember those who have lost their lives from overdose.

This year marks the 25th year of IOAD. The 2026 theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.” reminds us that overdose continues to impact families, friends, and communities across America and the world. It also reinforces a hopeful truth: overdose is preventable, and evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support can save lives. Every conversation and every action can make a difference.

• The goals of IOAD are to:
• Honor the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose.
• Show support to people who use drugs and people in recovery.
• Continue raising awareness about the risks of drug overdose.
• Share information on available prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
• Promote evidence-based practices and strategies that can prevent overdose.

This year, CDC will mark IOAD by releasing new data and resources, including:
A new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Buprenorphine Dispensed by Pharmacies and Administered in Emergency Departments in Urban and Rural Areas — United States, 2019–2025 which examines access to buprenorphine across urban and rural communities.

Enhanced trend view for overdose death data on the SUDORS dashboard, allowing viewers to examine drug overdose patterns across multiple years—by drugs involved, demographics, and circumstances surrounding deaths.